BOSS Dean Ryan saluted the Sixways crowd after Worcester Warriors took a giant step towards Aviva Premiership safety.

Warriors sealed a richly-deserved 28-20 win against rivals Gloucester in the M5 derby.

They have a 13-point cushion over basement boys London Irish who suffered a 26-16 defeat against Saracens in New Jersey, USA, in the first Premiership match overseas.

Ryan said: “We have talked about winning regularly because this club has never had it and we’ve talked about growing the relationship with fans.

“I think the crowd have been great for some time now.

I think they enjoy watching us and we are enjoying them being behind us.

“We don’t lack entertainment when the fans come to Sixways.”